Sawm: The Act of Fasting
Pillar 4
What is Sawm?
Sawm, the fourth pillar of Islam, is the act of fasting from dawn until dusk during the holy month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This involves abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and marital relations. Fasting during Ramadan is obligatory for all adult Muslims who are not acutely or chronically ill, travelling, elderly, pregnant, breastfeeding, or diabetic.
The Spiritual Significance
Fasting is a deeply spiritual practice intended to bring Muslims closer to Allah. It is an exercise in self-restraint, discipline, and empathy for the less fortunate. By experiencing hunger and thirst, believers are reminded of the suffering of the poor, encouraging acts of charity and compassion. Ramadan is also a time for increased prayer, recitation of the Quran, and reflection on one's deeds.
Beyond Abstinence
The fast is not merely physical. Muslims are also expected to refrain from sinful behavior such as gossip, lying, and fighting. The goal is to purify the soul and refocus attention on God. The breaking of the fast at sunset, known as Iftar, is often a communal affair, where families and friends gather to share a meal, strengthening community bonds.